This year's POAA conference was about mental wellness. This was very poignant when we found out our Colleagues in SA had an officer suicide just prior to the conference and then New Zealand reported 1 during the conference.
Staff in prisons are fighting a battle behind the walls and this isnt with the crims it is for better mentally (and physically) safer workplaces
To help tackle this problem, we must each Stand T.A.L.R (Talk, Ask, Listen, Refer) and face the challenges of poor mental health:
TALK - If you are the one who is suffering. Find someone who you trust, and can confide in, and get whatever is on your chest off.
ASK - If you’re concerned about someone, simply ask. This takes huge balls but may be the most important question you ever ask.
LISTEN - Sometimes the best gift of all is to simply give someone your ear, not advice.
REFER - Refer that person to help, every time, everyday, every way.